Frank Lampard left frustrated on Stamford Bridge return

Frank Lampard felt proud, honoured and aggrieved as his Derby side were beaten 3-2 at former club Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Chelsea benefited from two Rams own goals, only for the Championship visitors to equalise on each occasion before Cesc Fabregas’ 41st-minute strike proved decisive.

It was in the build up to Fabregas’ first of the season that Derby felt Tom Lawrence was fouled by Davide Zappacosta, only for the Italian to take a quick throw-in and referee Jon Moss to dismiss protests.

Lampard said: “The third goal was a foul. The whole stadium saw that. I turned round thinking we’d got the foul, then looked back and they were in our box.

Lampard was given a warm welcome on his return to Stamford Bridge (Nick Potts/PA)

“VAR should clear up the ones that go slightly wrong. It didn’t tonight.”

Lampard scored a club record 211 goals in 648 appearances and 13 years at Chelsea, but left when his contract expired in June 2014 without having the chance to say goodbye.

This fourth-round clash provided an opportunity to do so and Lampard was serenaded throughout by Chelsea supporters, and he responded by acknowledging them and the Derby fans at the end.

Lampard admitted an afternoon nap – a routine retained from his playing days – had proven difficult on a surreal day.